Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Pegues of the 3rd Infantry Division and Parade Grand Marshal Jimmy Ray offer a salute after laying a wreath at the base of the Sgt. William Jasper monument during the annual ceremony Friday in Madison Square.

Across the Historic District on Friday, final preparations for the Hostess City’s largest annual party were made and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee held its final pre-parade day ceremony — a tribute to the nation’s military.

‘Jasper Green’

After placing a green, white and orange wreath with American and Irish flags at the base of the monument dedicated to Revolutionary War hero Sgt. William Jasper, parade Grand Marshal Jimmy Ray and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Pegues saluted the historic noncommissioned officer.

The “Jasper Green” ceremony in Madison Square honors those who have served in the U.S. military.

Like Jasper, who was mortally wounded rescuing his regimental colors from a dying lieutenant during the siege of Savannah in 1779, today’s service members sacrifice every day, said Ray, who served as a noncommissioned officer in the Marines.

Pegues, the senior enlisted soldier for the 3rd ID’s rear detachment at Fort Stewart, said he was honored to share some of Jasper’s story.

“This was truly an honor for me,” Pegues said. “... If Sgt. Jasper was serving today, he’s the kind of guy who would have been a command sergeant major.”

Pegues said he was looking forward to watching hundreds of 3rd ID soldiers march through Savannah.

“It’s going to be great to watch. It’s a great parade,” he said. “... The support and the appreciation we get around here from this community is just phenomenal, and everyone loves seeing us in the parade.”

Saturday celebration

While many boasted last year’s festival was among the largest in the city’s history, this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration could draw just as large a crowd. The promise of great weather has local officials excited, said Mark Dana with the Savannah Riverfront Association.

“We’re extremely optimistic,” he said. While Dana encouraged the crowd to enjoy itself, he urged revelers to do so within reason.

“We want everyone to have a good time,” he said. “But at the same time, this is not a drink-fest — it’s an opportunity to enjoy great weather, music and a great event, and we want everyone to do so safely and responsibly.

A calm start

Savannah-Chatham police said crowds Thursday evening into early Friday morning were relatively calm.

Two people were arrested for festival-related offenses, said police spokesman Julian Miller. One was arrested for public urination and the other for disorderly conduct.

Know where to park

Motorists who do not follow parking instructions will be towed, Miller warned.

Along the parade route Friday, city workers placed bags over meters to indicate parking is not authorized in the area. Beginning at 5 a.m. today, Miller said, cars parked in those spaces will be towed at their owners’ expense.

“We don’t want to have to tow anyone, but we’re going to do it if we have to,” Miller said. “If you do get your car towed, it’s going to be kind of a pain. You’re going to have to come down to Police Headquarters and get a release and take that to the towing company.”

In the past, the largest issue has been with illegally parked vehicles that obstruct either the flow of traffic or the parade itself, Miller said.

Motorists do have other options in addition to parking downtown.

Parking will be available on Hutchinson Island at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center starting at 6:30 a.m. for $15, which includes a round-trip ticket aboard either the ferry or a shuttle across the river.

Chatham Area Transit will offer shuttles from the Westside Shopping Center on U.S. 80 in Garden City, the Island Towne Center on Whitemarsh Island near Wal-Mart and from Savannah Mall near the Dillard’s parking lot adjacent to Apache Avenue. Those shuttles will begin running at 7 a.m. and cost $5, round trip.

Get your wristband

Those who want to drink alcohol outside within the festival zone must purchase a $5 wristband, available at 22 locations and from roaming salespersons.

“Our officers will be out there in full force, and if they see anyone consuming alcohol without a wristband on the street, what they would do is politely ask the person to purchase a wristband,” said Savannah-Chatham police Maj. James Barnwell.

Violators could be fined $67 or jailed if they are not county residents and do not have valid identification, Barnwell said.

Sales from the wristbands will help pay for the 40 bands playing during the festival, said Bill Dickinson, the CEO of Wet Willie’s and president of the Savannah Riverfront Association.

“Where can you go to a concert and see 40 bands and have a great time like you’re going to in Savannah for five bucks? It’s a no-brainer,” Dickinson said.